Silva S10 backup battery

[SailingDoc]

I've had a Silva S10 DSC VHF for a few years; it works well, but loses the settings (date & time, squelch setting, directory of MMSI numbers etc) almost as soon as it's turned off.

Silva are spectacularly unhelpful - " its internal battery must be low, try leaving it switched on for 24 hours" - as if I haven't done that anyway! " the battery can't be replaced" - does that mean the radio is effectively useless once the internal (backup) battery dies?

Anyone else with the same experience?

Brian

 

[mitchc]

I'm sure there is some reliable S10's out there but.....I'm on my 5th unit! 3 x s10's and 1 x s15. They finally sent me a Nexuss S10 replacement....still working after 3 months (haven't used the boat much though) although it does have some software faults like not updating DSC GPS position whlst in dual watch.

Radio is fitted to a 6mtr RIB that is kept under cover (in a barn) when not in use...they've agreed to replace with an Icom if (when) it fails again!!
All my other vhf's are Icom, whch so far have been faultless!!.....
Do a search on Silva S10 in google.....there's lots of info out there! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[SailingDoc]

Thanks, but not a lot of thanks! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif I guess I'll have to return it to them and see what happens.

I've tried Googling it, without much success other than to ascertain that it's now Nexus rather than Silva. I'd like to know if others have tried tackling the problem themselves - I'm handy with opening up electronics and wielding a soldering iron, but it always helps to know in advance if there are any special pitfalls to look out for.

Brian

 

[RichardTaylor]

Last year at SIBS I spoke with Silva who gave the name and number of a guy back at HQ (sorry dont have the details). He was most helpful and as I was happy to open up the set (S15) he sent me a button cell FOC with tags to solder in place.

From memory on the S15 the cell is close to the LCD screen at the front of the unit, and was a little fiddly to replace. I assume the S10 is similar?

 

[Wai_Tapu]

How long have you had the S10? I had exactly the same problem from new, and the same responses from their call centre. Eventually, I persuaded them to look at it since within their 2 year warranty, and then had excellent service with a brand new Nexus sent out by return. Result /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif